Which way to go and where to start: 0:48 How long does it take: 1:17 When to go: 1:24 Where to camp + refuges: 2:22 Pros and cons of the trail: 4:15 Finding your way: 6:10 Alternates: 6:45 Stages: 7:25 Extra tip: 9:19 Temperatures day and night: 9:39 What to wear: 10:13
I took the Fenetre d'Arpette variant and that route is CRAZY. It was not exactly "technical," but I found myself using my hands to climb over lots and lots of boulders, which was not easy with a heavy backpack. There is absolutely no water on that route and I was terribly unprepared. Fortunately a nice young lady allowed me to use her water filter to fill up my bottle from a glacial spring. Towards the end of that route, just before reaching Trient, was a lovely little cafe just randomly in the middle of nowhere by a stream in the forest. I will never forget the joy of having an ice cold beer and a large peach tart after that epic climb and descent. The grandeur of the scenery on this trek is undeniably magnificent. But it's also the little things that I discovered along the way that made it such a memorable experience. The TMB is a must for everybody's bucket list. I would also add that Courmayeur is a great place to start/end. I drove up from La Spezia/Cinque Terre to Milan and then took a FlixBus from Milan to Courmayeur. And once I ended in Courmayeur, I took another FlixBus up to Geneva and flew back to the US from there. It seems to me that Courmayeur has better/shorter connections to major cities than Chamonix or Les Houches.
A word on trail runners. I did the Alta Via 1 in Italy and started with Hoka speed goats. Feet felt great but I shredded the shoes. I bought La Sportiva on a rest day and they did so much better. Solomon, La Sportiva, and Altra seem to be better for technical stuff where hoka and brooks may be better for running on gravel roads. Husband stuck with traditional Merrill ankle support. Overall goal, train in what you’ll use. And train a lot.
@@sorellman I’ll wear those hoka’s for my next half marathon. And the La Sportivas for hiking. They’re still ‘trail runners’ but less runner-y and more like east hikers.
Hi Kim, your video is the first video I've seen that is useful!! I'm doing the TMB 14-22 September and I'm glad I bought a packable bubble jacket for the evening. Thanks a lot for the useful tips. Noel
I did it in 2018. Video is on you tube. I didn't use any map or gps. The route is very well marked provided snow is clear and dosent cover signs especially the painted ones on the rocks.
Great video and great information which lead to many questions as well :). I'm having plan to do this tour in near future and sure will come back to this video again.
I am seeing videos for Mont Blanc all afternoon cause we plan it and think if its feasible for this summer. this video is the best so far, just to the point, thank you!
That's amazing, you're going to have a great time! If you need any more tips and details on camp spots or refuges etc, I recently made this blog post: hikingfir.wixsite.com/kimberleymgsoutside/post/everything-you-need-to-know-tour-du-mont-blanc Happy Trails :)
Hey Kim. Thanks for the tips. How long did it take to hike from Chapieux to Courmayeur? Seems like that would be a really long day. Where can I find the video you mentioned at the that captures your day to day? Thanks again for posting.
Hi! It was a couple of years ago now so I don’t remember exactly but I think it was a pretty chill day, not too much elevation (for the alps). I was with my mom too and she had never done such a hike before so it’s definitely doable. I have a highlight on my instagram (@kimberleymgs) called tmb and if you scroll back to 2021 there are daily posts too with probably more details :)
Thanks for the video Kim! Im heading there this July. Start date is 11th July. Im kinda hoping there would be a lot of people bc this is my first ever solo hike (or any long distance hike at all) so if anything happens at least i know there will be people around. Also the reason why im choosing one of the most famous trail in the world haha Crowded trails can be a blessings in disguise sometimes. Im sure there will be a lot of people on trail this year bc countries are opening up and restrictions are being scrapped month by month. Im so excited but also scared about how strenuous it can be. Thanks for all the infos and tips!
Hi! I'm super excited for you, it will be a great experience. It will for sure be crowded but it's so nice to meet so many hikers and like minded people from everywhere in the world, you will have a great time. As for how strenuous it is, don't worry. Take your time and you will be fine, I saw families with small kids hiking last year, it wasn't easy for them but they made it the whole way by just taking their time. Try to pack as light as you can, a big pro of this trail is how easy it is to resupply and find water so you don't need to carry too much :)
Hi how did you get on with your hike did you do all the planning your self or did you book through a web site? We are planning on going but it’s so difficult to plan and book all the individual places
Answered you on Ig but in case other people are wondering: Yes you can just pay there, cash or card! (always carry a bit of cash "just in case" their machines don't work for some reason, like anywhere else)
Fab video. Thanks for posting. You mentioned a couple of places where water was hard to find but I could not understand the names. Could you repeat please? Thanks again!!
planned it all alone yes, there's not much to plan honestly, it's not a technical hike and the trail is super well marked. I camped the whole time so did not book anything, just showed up at the campgrounds in the places where wild camping isn't allowed :)
Hi there! Do you know if there is people making the TMB in the beggining of June? I'm going this year form the 5th to 16th os June, I'm wondering if I'll find anyone on the trail or any refuges open!
Hi! It really depends on the snow level since it changes every year but you should be prepared for snow and have snow gear! I am in Chamonix now and we’re still skiing and will be for a while longer. I think most refuges open mid june, you can email them to ask :)
@@downdirtroads thank you Kim, really nice of you to get back at me! I'll also check the webcams to see how much snow I must encounter, but I will take crampons for sure! Have fun skiing!
@@leoxfury Of course, happy to help! The high passes are really what you want to look out for. Also maybe it would be good to call local places like guide offices to ask them about the snow before you get there as they'll know exactly what the conditions are like. Crampons/microspikes are a must in june in any case :) and a warm sleeping bag!
Thank you so much for watching! I'm actually planning a thru hike in Lapland this summer as well as the Haute Route des Alpes (walkers' way) from Chamonix to Zermatt.
This was reassuring. I find it really easy to stealth hammock camp in forests to avoid rangers and campers, but do you think that would miss out on a social element at campsites? I have to decide between my tent and hammock setup... i hike it in 2 days time.
Be careful, there are not a lot of trees, a lot of the trail is above treeline! Also maybe respecting the laws about no wild camping is better… a tent would be more appropriate
hi Kim, thanks for the great info! did you reserve pitches at all/any of the campgrounds you stayed at? or is it normal to not need to book the campgrounds in advance?
Hey! No I didn't reserve anything and I don't think you would need to unless maybe you're going during the busiest time (beginning-mid august) but even then, they have plently of room :)
It's the traditional way :) + it's probably a bit "easier" elevation gain-wise, and the way the mountain range is it makes for a very nice last day or two with beautiful views of the Mt Blanc that you won't have if you come back the other way (assuming you're starting and ending in Chamonix)
Hi Kim, very helpful video thank you so much. I planned to do it in 8 days after my friend backed out (initially we were gonna chill and do it in 11), because of the replanned route I don't have any refuges booked =( Was there a camping alternative to Refuge des Mottets? Struggling to find one! And I was also wondering if it's worth skipping Les Chapieux and take the shortcut or if I'll have time to stop there for lunch and still be ok to do it in 8 days? I'd say im relatievly fit!
Hey! So skipping les Chapieux is not a shortcut, it will take you about the same amount of time since you have to go higher up to reach Col des Fours. In my mind you have 2 possibilities: 1) go to les Chapieux, camp there (it's free btw) and then go to Courmayer. 2) if you go up col des Fours, you can camp on the way down from col des Fours before joining back with the "normal" TMB. Right above la Ville des Glaciers. The next day you will also camp near Courmayer. So to recap, you can either do: Contamines - Chapieux - Courmayer OR Contamines - wild camp above Ville des Glaciers - Courmayer. Does that make sense?
@@DudeWheresMyCardz There is just a tiiiny tiny grocery store in les Chapieux FYI, not the best for a resupply. Refuges have food and snacks and the best resupply would be in Courmayer so if you plan it well you shouldn't need to resupply before then :) Have fun!!
Hey! Do you recall if there is a shop/market to resupply in les Chapieux? I suppose there is no way to recharge electronics in les chapieux at the campsite?
Hey! There is a little restaurant and a very very small market, I wouldn't rely on it for a full resupply. Nowhere to charge at the campsite but if you grab a drink at the little resto you can ask them to charge your stuff, that's what I did :)
Hi! Assuming you already have all the gear, you can do it for about 200euros? I mean besides food that you'd buy anyways you only have to pay for campgrounds and since it's a short hike you don't spend much
You can pay for them on sites, no need to book ahead but I'd probably suggest to not get there too late during the day. There are A LOT of hikers on trail
Great video! I am planning my trip with the stages that i want to walk and this is very helpfull. I have a question about your third night stop, you said it was in Courmayeur (Aiguilles Noires) but i checked the distance from Les Chapieux and google maps says it's a 13 hours walk. Are you sure that Courmayeur was your third night stop?
Well, _Les Chapieux_ to _Courmayeur_ is a long way. You better go to _Col des Fours_ and stay in _Ville des Glaciers_ or _Refuge des Mottets_ The view on the south side is impressive (big walls), but it's a long days and quite flat (no steep ascent by the Alpine standard, I mean)
Vidéo trés cool merci. Pour l'italie et la suisse, y a t il des campings officiel ou on peut se poser en toute légalité ? Si oui, ils sont sur le trail ou je devrais m'en éloigner ? J'aimerais éviter une amende de 400 euros xD
Hi Kim great video, can I ask how heavy was your backpack? Which variants to avoid, as being the hardest? Which stages did you found easier or more dificult? Any possible short cuts? Thank you
Hi! I have a gear video if you want to know more about my pack weight and stuff. The hardest variant would be fenetre d'arpette probably. Not that it's crazy difficult, but be aware of the snow conditions when you get there! No shortcuts really, unless you want to do some mountaineering haha
I go to the mountains to get away from stupid rules & regulations. Who would pay £60 squid a night. Just to be put in a room listening to a bunch of garlic munching snoring sardines all night? Pass!
Which way to go and where to start: 0:48
How long does it take: 1:17
When to go: 1:24
Where to camp + refuges: 2:22
Pros and cons of the trail: 4:15
Finding your way: 6:10
Alternates: 6:45
Stages: 7:25
Extra tip: 9:19
Temperatures day and night: 9:39
What to wear: 10:13
I took the Fenetre d'Arpette variant and that route is CRAZY. It was not exactly "technical," but I found myself using my hands to climb over lots and lots of boulders, which was not easy with a heavy backpack. There is absolutely no water on that route and I was terribly unprepared. Fortunately a nice young lady allowed me to use her water filter to fill up my bottle from a glacial spring. Towards the end of that route, just before reaching Trient, was a lovely little cafe just randomly in the middle of nowhere by a stream in the forest. I will never forget the joy of having an ice cold beer and a large peach tart after that epic climb and descent. The grandeur of the scenery on this trek is undeniably magnificent. But it's also the little things that I discovered along the way that made it such a memorable experience. The TMB is a must for everybody's bucket list. I would also add that Courmayeur is a great place to start/end. I drove up from La Spezia/Cinque Terre to Milan and then took a FlixBus from Milan to Courmayeur. And once I ended in Courmayeur, I took another FlixBus up to Geneva and flew back to the US from there. It seems to me that Courmayeur has better/shorter connections to major cities than Chamonix or Les Houches.
A word on trail runners. I did the Alta Via 1 in Italy and started with Hoka speed goats. Feet felt great but I shredded the shoes. I bought La Sportiva on a rest day and they did so much better. Solomon, La Sportiva, and Altra seem to be better for technical stuff where hoka and brooks may be better for running on gravel roads. Husband stuck with traditional Merrill ankle support. Overall goal, train in what you’ll use. And train a lot.
Hoka, no. La Sportiva, yes! Definitely.
@@sorellman I’ll wear those hoka’s for my next half marathon. And the La Sportivas for hiking. They’re still ‘trail runners’ but less runner-y and more like east hikers.
Thank you.... straight to the point. I like that.
thanks! makes me happy
Hi Kim, your video is the first video I've seen that is useful!! I'm doing the TMB 14-22 September and I'm glad I bought a packable bubble jacket for the evening. Thanks a lot for the useful tips. Noel
I did it in 2018. Video is on you tube. I didn't use any map or gps. The route is very well marked provided snow is clear and dosent cover signs especially the painted ones on the rocks.
Thank you , will go there in 2 days ! Watched from Italy 🇮🇹
Thanks for the video! I'm wandering aimlessly online looking for my next hike. TMB might be the one :)
Great video and great information which lead to many questions as well :). I'm having plan to do this tour in near future and sure will come back to this video again.
I am seeing videos for Mont Blanc all afternoon cause we plan it and think if its feasible for this summer. this video is the best so far, just to the point, thank you!
oh my gosh that is so sweet thank you so much! I'm so glad it's still helping so many people
Thanks a lot for making this video !
Hi
I will start from Charmonix on 6.29.24, planning 8 days to hike around counter clockwise. Nice seeing your video
That's amazing, you're going to have a great time!
If you need any more tips and details on camp spots or refuges etc, I recently made this blog post: hikingfir.wixsite.com/kimberleymgsoutside/post/everything-you-need-to-know-tour-du-mont-blanc
Happy Trails :)
You deserve more subs! Thanks for the info.
haha thank you! And thanks again for watching :)
Hi Kim! Loved you video, we already connected via IG, so super fun to see you here on the Tube as well. Love, Alette
Really helpful. Thanks.
Thank you for watching! :)
Thank you for the video.
Wow, I'm quite suprised, just the information I needed, thanks a lot
Thank you for watching!
Great video, thanks!!
Thank you for video , is really good one, i thunk to go visit this place.:))
Hey Kim. Thanks for the tips. How long did it take to hike from Chapieux to Courmayeur? Seems like that would be a really long day.
Where can I find the video you mentioned at the that captures your day to day?
Thanks again for posting.
Hi! It was a couple of years ago now so I don’t remember exactly but I think it was a pretty chill day, not too much elevation (for the alps). I was with my mom too and she had never done such a hike before so it’s definitely doable. I have a highlight on my instagram (@kimberleymgs) called tmb and if you scroll back to 2021 there are daily posts too with probably more details :)
Thanks for the video Kim! Im heading there this July. Start date is 11th July. Im kinda hoping there would be a lot of people bc this is my first ever solo hike (or any long distance hike at all) so if anything happens at least i know there will be people around. Also the reason why im choosing one of the most famous trail in the world haha Crowded trails can be a blessings in disguise sometimes. Im sure there will be a lot of people on trail this year bc countries are opening up and restrictions are being scrapped month by month. Im so excited but also scared about how strenuous it can be. Thanks for all the infos and tips!
Hi! I'm super excited for you, it will be a great experience. It will for sure be crowded but it's so nice to meet so many hikers and like minded people from everywhere in the world, you will have a great time. As for how strenuous it is, don't worry. Take your time and you will be fine, I saw families with small kids hiking last year, it wasn't easy for them but they made it the whole way by just taking their time. Try to pack as light as you can, a big pro of this trail is how easy it is to resupply and find water so you don't need to carry too much :)
Hi how did you get on with your hike did you do all the planning your self or did you book through a web site? We are planning on going but it’s so difficult to plan and book all the individual places
Thanks you Kim 👍 I from Indonesia 🇮🇩
Thank you
When it comes to the campgrounds, do you just go up and pay up front with cash or card? Or do you need to make reservations for some campgrounds?
Answered you on Ig but in case other people are wondering: Yes you can just pay there, cash or card! (always carry a bit of cash "just in case" their machines don't work for some reason, like anywhere else)
Thanks for sharing with us your advices! I am wondering if you remember how much it cost the whole tour - food, accomodation, fees, others?
What about bathroom stops? How far are they apart? how do you know when you will be able to use facilities?
Thanks for the tips. The focus malfunctioning was driving me crazy :D
you can buy me a new camera if you'd like haha
Good stuff thanks
Thank you!
How much would food cost during this trip if you ate normal camping food or a few dinners at the refuges?
Fab video. Thanks for posting. You mentioned a couple of places where water was hard to find but I could not understand the names. Could you repeat please? Thanks again!!
Brévent-Flégère has no water (no rivers or anything) but I think that was it :) Happy trails!
Thanks for this nice !
thank you!
Dear Kim i am going to hike on First June hope it is good view there !
Thanks for the video! Would you say end of September is also an OK time to do this hike? Looking into doing this hike later on in the year :)
yes September is great! Although nights could get a bit cold.
Did you hiked and planned your Tour alone? And how did you booked where you can sleep?
planned it all alone yes, there's not much to plan honestly, it's not a technical hike and the trail is super well marked. I camped the whole time so did not book anything, just showed up at the campgrounds in the places where wild camping isn't allowed :)
@@downdirtroadsi see thankyou 🙂
Trying to plan this trek and I’m struggling so much with booking places to stay etc
Hi there! Do you know if there is people making the TMB in the beggining of June? I'm going this year form the 5th to 16th os June, I'm wondering if I'll find anyone on the trail or any refuges open!
Hi! It really depends on the snow level since it changes every year but you should be prepared for snow and have snow gear! I am in Chamonix now and we’re still skiing and will be for a while longer.
I think most refuges open mid june, you can email them to ask :)
@@downdirtroads thank you Kim, really nice of you to get back at me! I'll also check the webcams to see how much snow I must encounter, but I will take crampons for sure! Have fun skiing!
@@leoxfury Of course, happy to help! The high passes are really what you want to look out for. Also maybe it would be good to call local places like guide offices to ask them about the snow before you get there as they'll know exactly what the conditions are like. Crampons/microspikes are a must in june in any case :) and a warm sleeping bag!
Thanks, Great to see information on this, where is the next thru hike planned?
Thank you so much for watching! I'm actually planning a thru hike in Lapland this summer as well as the Haute Route des Alpes (walkers' way) from Chamonix to Zermatt.
Will you be vlogging this?
@@CanHike I will!
Did you manage to hike Lapland?
I love your French pronunciation!
Haha well I am French after all
This was reassuring. I find it really easy to stealth hammock camp in forests to avoid rangers and campers, but do you think that would miss out on a social element at campsites? I have to decide between my tent and hammock setup... i hike it in 2 days time.
Be careful, there are not a lot of trees, a lot of the trail is above treeline! Also maybe respecting the laws about no wild camping is better… a tent would be more appropriate
Hey Kim! Thank you for your advice. I'll be visiting from Mexico, so maybe I'll ask you a few things on IG. Thanks :)
Nice vid, thanks for information
Are there dogs allowed?
They are! A lot of elevation gain/loss though so might be rough for some dogs but I’ve seen quite a few people hiking with their pups
hi Kim, thanks for the great info! did you reserve pitches at all/any of the campgrounds you stayed at? or is it normal to not need to book the campgrounds in advance?
Hey! No I didn't reserve anything and I don't think you would need to unless maybe you're going during the busiest time (beginning-mid august) but even then, they have plently of room :)
What's the reason for hiking counter clockwise? Thank you
It's the traditional way :) + it's probably a bit "easier" elevation gain-wise, and the way the mountain range is it makes for a very nice last day or two with beautiful views of the Mt Blanc that you won't have if you come back the other way (assuming you're starting and ending in Chamonix)
A coworker and I are hiking the trail these same exact weeks as you did in two months. Thanks for the tips. Flying in from the US.
That's awesome, you're going to have a great time! Happy trails :)
How did it go?
Was it worth it?
Hey :) how much do the camp spots cost?:)
Thank you Kim
can you share your recommended GPS app please?
Here's the link: www.gaiagps.com/public/XBf7ago139bzxTCiFYStUJyc
Hi Kim, very helpful video thank you so much.
I planned to do it in 8 days after my friend backed out (initially we were gonna chill and do it in 11), because of the replanned route I don't have any refuges booked =(
Was there a camping alternative to Refuge des Mottets? Struggling to find one! And I was also wondering if it's worth skipping Les Chapieux and take the shortcut or if I'll have time to stop there for lunch and still be ok to do it in 8 days? I'd say im relatievly fit!
Hey! So skipping les Chapieux is not a shortcut, it will take you about the same amount of time since you have to go higher up to reach Col des Fours.
In my mind you have 2 possibilities:
1) go to les Chapieux, camp there (it's free btw) and then go to Courmayer.
2) if you go up col des Fours, you can camp on the way down from col des Fours before joining back with the "normal" TMB. Right above la Ville des Glaciers. The next day you will also camp near Courmayer.
So to recap, you can either do:
Contamines - Chapieux - Courmayer OR Contamines - wild camp above Ville des Glaciers - Courmayer. Does that make sense?
@@downdirtroads that's super helpful thanks so much. Guess it depends on if I need to stock up on food or not! I'm going in little over a week 🙈.
@@DudeWheresMyCardz There is just a tiiiny tiny grocery store in les Chapieux FYI, not the best for a resupply. Refuges have food and snacks and the best resupply would be in Courmayer so if you plan it well you shouldn't need to resupply before then :) Have fun!!
@@downdirtroads awesome thank you, you're the best ☺️.
Hey! Do you recall if there is a shop/market to resupply in les Chapieux? I suppose there is no way to recharge electronics in les chapieux at the campsite?
Hey! There is a little restaurant and a very very small market, I wouldn't rely on it for a full resupply. Nowhere to charge at the campsite but if you grab a drink at the little resto you can ask them to charge your stuff, that's what I did :)
@@downdirtroads thanks so much! ❤️
Which gpx file did you use please. I'm 7 days away from starting
Here's the link: www.gaiagps.com/public/XBf7ago139bzxTCiFYStUJyc
Have fun!
I wonder if there are tours or can I do it solo?
There are tours but you can do it solo for sure and that’s what I’d recommend
What is the minimum budget to do this hike? We're planning on sleeping in a tent.
Hi! Assuming you already have all the gear, you can do it for about 200euros? I mean besides food that you'd buy anyways you only have to pay for campgrounds and since it's a short hike you don't spend much
@@downdirtroads OK thank you!
hi, do you need to book the campsites in advance or we can pay them on sites?
You can pay for them on sites, no need to book ahead but I'd probably suggest to not get there too late during the day. There are A LOT of hikers on trail
@@downdirtroads thanks for the info !
Great video! I am planning my trip with the stages that i want to walk and this is very helpfull. I have a question about your third night stop, you said it was in Courmayeur (Aiguilles Noires) but i checked the distance from Les Chapieux and google maps says it's a 13 hours walk. Are you sure that Courmayeur was your third night stop?
Yup I'm sure, it was a very easy going day actually
@@downdirtroads Yea I realized that the google maps route is way around the hiking route (kind of obvious now I’m thinking about it)
Well, _Les Chapieux_ to _Courmayeur_ is a long way. You better go to _Col des Fours_ and stay in _Ville des Glaciers_ or _Refuge des Mottets_ The view on the south side is impressive (big walls), but it's a long days and quite flat (no steep ascent by the Alpine standard, I mean)
Vidéo trés cool merci.
Pour l'italie et la suisse, y a t il des campings officiel ou on peut se poser en toute légalité ? Si oui, ils sont sur le trail ou je devrais m'en éloigner ? J'aimerais éviter une amende de 400 euros xD
Hello! Je viens de voir ton commentaire, un peu en retard désolée! Oui il y a des campings officiels dans chaque village du trail :)
@@downdirtroads Dac merci pour ta réponse, finalement j'y suis allé cet été et j'ai en effet pu trouver des campings officiels en Italie et en Suisse.
i like your French accent
May I ask Kim .Are you a native French language speaker😊
I am indeed :)
Hi Kim great video, can I ask how heavy was your backpack? Which variants to avoid, as being the hardest? Which stages did you found easier or more dificult? Any possible short cuts?
Thank you
Hi! I have a gear video if you want to know more about my pack weight and stuff. The hardest variant would be fenetre d'arpette probably. Not that it's crazy difficult, but be aware of the snow conditions when you get there! No shortcuts really, unless you want to do some mountaineering haha
Can u be my guide ? Please 🥺
haha if you're nice and you pay me yeah sure 🤣
I go to the mountains to get away from stupid rules & regulations. Who would pay £60 squid a night. Just to be put in a room listening to a bunch of garlic munching snoring sardines all night? Pass!
You can respect other countries’ rules to protect nature though and you know what? Pay 10€ to camp 😂 who talked about staying in a room? lol